Toddler speech

Hey y’all, I have a 2 1/2 year old and his teacher has grown concern that he isn’t talking a lot in school and he had been there since he turned 2. I’m concern too because at home he talks but doesn’t socialize in school, and his teacher had recommended me getting him evaluated for speech , I know this process does take a while so I wanted to know what have y’all done to help your little angels to be more social in school/events etc ? I do notice at times my son likes to be by himself when I have play dates and then eventually is more playful. Any suggestions on books, toys etc?